The Belfast Zoo in Northern Ireland experienced a memorable incident in 2019 when a group of chimpanzees orchestrated a daring escape attempt, captivating the public and sparking discussions about animal intelligence and zoo enclosure security. This incident, dubbed the “Great Ape Escape of 2019,” highlighted the resourcefulness of these primates and raised questions about the effectiveness of zoo security measures.
The escape unfolded on February 9, 2019, in broad daylight, right before the eyes of astonished visitors. The chimpanzees, demonstrating remarkable ingenuity, utilized broken tree branches, likely weakened by a recent storm, to construct a makeshift ladder against the enclosure wall. With this improvised tool, several chimps climbed onto the wall, briefly tasting the allure of freedom. Videos of the incident quickly circulated on social media, including one capturing a young girl’s reaction to the escaping “gorillas.”
A Short-Lived Freedom
Despite their clever plan, the chimpanzees’ freedom was short-lived. While one adventurous ape reportedly ventured beyond the enclosure, even approaching zoo visitors, it remained peaceful and soon returned. The others seemed content with their brief stint on the wall before also retreating.
Zoo visitor Danielle Monaghan recounted her experience to the BBC, saying, “I was petrified, obviously, having the kids, and I tried not to show fear but inside I was a bit like: what happens if it attacks us or tries to take the kids or runs over?” She further explained, “But we just had to stay calm. It may have been a different story if it had been aggressive but it absolutely wasn’t. It made us feel at ease. We just walked past it and it was absolutely grand.” Source
A Second Escape Raises Concerns
Adding to the intrigue, this chimpanzee escape was the second such incident at the Belfast Zoo in a short period. Just weeks earlier, in late January 2019, a power outage affecting the electric fence enabled a young red panda cub named Amber to escape. Unlike the chimps, Amber managed a complete breakout, though she was located the next day in a nearby residential area and safely returned. Source
Improved Security Measures
Since these incidents, the Belfast Zoo appears to have strengthened its security measures, and no similar escapes have been reported. The chimpanzee breakout served as a reminder of the intelligence and adaptability of animals, prompting a review of enclosure designs and safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
The Great Ape Escape of 2019 remains a fascinating anecdote, showcasing the resourcefulness of chimpanzees and emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in zoo management and animal welfare.
